One of John’s most celebrated qualities during his teen years was his commitment to service. He organized food drives, volunteered at shelters, and tutored younger students who were struggling academically. His volunteer work was never performative; it was grounded in a sincere belief that people should lift each other up.

He graduated in 2021 with honors and a reputation as someone who left everything—and everyone—better than he found them. He was voted “Most Likely to Brighten Your Day” by his classmates, a title he carried with pride and humility.

College Life at New Mexico State University

John’s journey led him to New Mexico State University, where he pursued a degree in [insert major—if unknown, we can suggest something fitting such as psychology, education, or environmental science]. He was drawn to NMSU not only for its academic reputation but also because it gave him the chance to remain close to the community he cherished while continuing to grow.

At NMSU, John was more than just a student—he was a connector, a bridge-builder. He joined numerous student organizations, including the student leadership council, peer mentoring program, and [insert any club based on interests, such as sustainability, campus ministry, etc.]. He also volunteered regularly at local food banks and community centers, often rallying other students to join him.

Professors remember John as deeply engaged and intellectually curious. He was the type of student who would stay after class not to debate, but to ask thoughtful questions—“What does this mean for people in real life?” or “How can I apply this knowledge to help someone?” These were not rhetorical; they reflected how John approached everything—with heart and purpose.

A Light in Every Room

To his friends and loved ones, John was more than dependable—he was a source of light in every room. Whether it was celebrating someone’s accomplishment or sitting silently beside a friend who needed comfort, he had an uncanny sense of what others needed.

His laughter was unforgettable—unapologetically joyful, often contagious. He had a gift for storytelling, a love for spontaneous road trips, and a never-ending playlist of songs he swore “would change your life.” He believed deeply in small moments—late-night talks, shared meals, unexpected notes of encouragement—and their power to build lifelong connections.

Friends describe him as “the glue” of their social circles. He remembered birthdays, checked in on people without needing a reason, and always made time—even in the busiest of weeks—for those who needed him. He believed in people, sometimes more than they believed in themselves.

A Tragic Loss Felt Across Communities

The sudden car accident that took John’s life in Goodyear, Arizona, has left multiple communities reeling. The circumstances are still under investigation, and while facts are being gathered, the emotional truth is already painfully clear: the world has lost a rare and radiant soul.

News of John’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, where hundreds of messages have been posted by friends, classmates, teachers, and even strangers whose lives he touched in small but meaningful ways. His university held a candlelight vigil, with students sharing memories, reading poems, and speaking of John’s profound impact on their lives.

John’s family released a statement expressing their immense gratitude for the love and support they’ve received. They wrote, “John was everything to us—our son, our joy, our inspiration. We are shattered by this loss, but comforted in knowing how deeply he was loved.”

His hometown held a memorial service attended by hundreds, where stories of John’s generosity and authenticity brought both tears and laughter.

Legacy and Enduring Impact

Though John’s life ended far too soon, his legacy is already being carried forward. New Mexico State University has announced a scholarship in his name, dedicated to students who demonstrate not just academic excellence, but a commitment to community service—reflecting the life John led.

His friends have launched a community initiative called “Live Like John,” aimed at encouraging acts of kindness, volunteerism, and connection in everyday life. The first project under this banner is a mentorship program pairing college students with high schoolers—an idea John himself had proposed in a campus meeting months before his death.

Teachers from his high school plan to rename the community garden he helped build as the “Stull Peace Garden,” noting that it stands as a living testament to the values John held dear: sustainability, compassion, and growth.

John’s family has expressed their wish that others carry forward his mission—not with fanfare, but through daily acts of love, inclusion, and service.

A Final Word

As we remember John Stull, we remember not only the tragedy of his passing, but the brilliance of his life. He taught those around him what it meant to be fully present, to care deeply, and to live each day with meaning. In the face of this immense loss, we honor him not only by mourning, but by striving to emulate the kindness, curiosity, and courage that he embodied.

In John’s own words, shared in a journal discovered by his parents: “This world can be heavy sometimes, but we’re all here to lift a little bit of it off each other’s shoulders.”

May we all strive to lift like John.